A vegan red velvet cupcake is seen at Fair Grounds Coffeehouse on Friday, April 5, 2013. David Scrivner / Iowa City Press-Citizen

Written by

Alesha L. Crews

Iowa City Press-Citizen

Even in a town where vegetarianism is commonplace, going vegan can seem a bit extreme. But at these Iowa City restaurants, plant-based meals amplify the natural flavor of the ingredients, making it easy to forget that meat, eggs and dairy are not included. With vegan entrees ranging from waffles to reubens, there are options available that any diner can appreciate.

Heirloom Salad Company

211 E. Washington St., Iowa City

Information: 338-1300

Forget about Burger King, it’s Heirloom Salad Company that fully embraces the “have it your way” philosophy. With more than 25 toppings to choose from — and a handful of house-made vegan dressings — the possibilities for a fresh, color salad are endless. Looking for a knee-buckling good combo? Try The Vegan ($6.95 to $7.50), which comes with spinach, carrots, cucumber, dried cranberries, seasoned quinoa and sliced almonds tossed in a raspberry vinaigrette.

Trumpet Blossom Cafe

310 E. Prentiss St., Iowa City

Information: 248-0077

There is no second guessing that your entree will be vegan at Trumpet Blossom Cafe; everything on the menu is plant-based, and delicious. Owner and Chef Katy Meyer said some customers are vegans, but most are “people looking for wholesome food that also tastes good and is fresh and sustainable.” A customer favorite is the Tempeh Reuben ($8), Meyer said, which features house-made bread, pickled vegetables and sauce. “The thing that I enjoy the most is making things from scratch, we do as much as we can, really,” she said.

Fair Grounds Coffeehouse

345 South Dubuque St., Iowa City

Information: 338-2024

When you’re craving a hearty, vegan breakfast, it’s hard to beat the selection at Fair Grounds Coffeehouse. The vegan waffles (starting at $4) and French toast ($5) are popular options, Owner Steve Pernetti said. But the vegan options don’t stop there. The coffeehouse/bakery makes its own vegan cheese, mayonnaise and sauces, which are used on paninis and wraps (starting at $6.50). “There’s just a lot of vegan food here, almost everything on the menu” Pernetti said. Our recommendation? Go for a vegan cupcake ($4.15) which is big enough for two, but really, you’re not going to want to share.